Complaints and appeals

Complaints and Appeals Policy — AIDSAE

Effective date: 20/02/2026

AIDSAE is committed to fair, respectful, and transparent handling of complaints and appeals. This policy explains how authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders can raise concerns about editorial processes, publication decisions, research integrity, or journal conduct.

1) Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to complaints and appeals related to:

  • editorial handling and peer review process
  • decisions (desk rejection, rejection after review, revision decisions, acceptance)
  • delays or communication concerns
  • reviewer/editor conduct
  • suspected research misconduct (plagiarism, fabrication, unethical research, etc.)
  • published content (requests for correction, expression of concern, or retraction)
  • APC payment, invoice disputes, refund queries (handled in line with the APC Payment & Refund Policy)

2) Definitions

2.1 Appeal

An appeal is a request by an author (or authorised representative) for reconsideration of an editorial decision.

2.2 Complaint

A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about journal services, editorial conduct, peer review behaviour, policy application, delays, or ethical concerns.

3) Guiding Principles

AIDSAE will handle complaints and appeals with:

  • fairness and confidentiality
  • timely acknowledgement and response
  • evidence-based decision-making
  • protection of reviewer anonymity under double-blind peer review
  • respectful communication (abusive messages may not be processed)

4) How to Submit a Complaint or Appeal

All complaints and appeals should be sent to: editorialoffice@ecoscribepublishers.com

Subject line (choose one):

  • Appeal — Manuscript ID [xxxx]
  • Complaint — [Brief topic]

Please include:

  • manuscript ID/title (if applicable)
  • your name and role (author/reviewer/reader)
  • a clear description of the issue
  • supporting evidence (emails, documents, citations, screenshots)
  • what outcome you are seeking (e.g., clarification, reassignment, correction)

Anonymous complaints may be considered if they contain specific, credible evidence.

5) Appeals Policy (Editorial Decisions)

5.1 When an appeal is considered

Appeals are considered when the author provides a clear, evidence-based rationale such as:

  • a major factual misunderstanding in the decision
  • a demonstrable technical error in reviewer/editor assessment
  • evidence of bias, conflict of interest, or inappropriate conduct
  • a procedural error (e.g., manuscript assessed outside scope without proper review)

5.2 When an appeal is not considered

AIDSAE will generally not reconsider decisions based solely on:

  • disagreement with reviewer opinions without new evidence
  • requests for “a different reviewer” without justification
  • abusive or threatening communication
  • attempts to negotiate acceptance based on payment or influence

5.3 How appeals are handled

  • The editorial office will acknowledge receipt of the appeal.
  • The appeal is reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or a senior editor not previously responsible for the decision (where feasible).
  • AIDSAE may consult additional editorial board members or an independent reviewer for technical clarification.
  • Reviewer anonymity is protected; reviewers will not be identified to authors.

5.4 Possible outcomes of an appeal

  • Decision upheld (no change)
  • Additional review requested
  • Editorial reassessment requested (e.g., revised decision)
  • Manuscript invited for resubmission as a new submission (in some cases)

The outcome of an appeal is final unless substantial new evidence emerges.

6) Complaints Policy (Process, Conduct, Ethics)

6.1 Types of complaints and typical handling

a) Delays or communication issues
We will review workflow status and provide a clear update or corrective steps.

b) Reviewer conduct concerns (unprofessional language, inappropriate requests)
We will assess the report and may: remove offensive content, replace the reviewer, or initiate a new review.

c) Editor conduct or conflict-of-interest concerns
We will assess and may reassign the manuscript to a different editor.

d) Research integrity concerns (plagiarism, fabricated results, unethical research)
Handled under the Publication Ethics and Malpractice Policy and may involve formal investigation, corrections, or retractions.

e) APC/payment complaints
Handled under the APC Payment & Refund Policy, with documentation review as needed.

6.2 Confidentiality

AIDSAE treats complaints confidentially. Information is shared only with those who need it to assess and resolve the issue.

7) Timeline and Communication

AIDSAE aims to:

  • acknowledge receipt within a reasonable timeframe (typically within a few working days), and
  • resolve straightforward issues quickly, while complex integrity investigations may take longer.

Where investigations require institutional involvement or external verification, AIDSAE will provide interim updates when appropriate.

8) Protection Against Retaliation

AIDSAE does not tolerate retaliation against complainants acting in good faith. Equally, malicious or knowingly false allegations may be treated as misconduct.

9) Record Keeping

AIDSAE maintains internal records of complaints and appeals and their outcomes to ensure consistency, transparency, and quality improvement.

10) Contact

Submit complaints or appeals to:
AIDSAE Editorial Office.